Introduction
When you want to repeat something in a conversation or correct yourself in Spanish, knowing a few natural phrases can make you sound fluent and confident. This article explains different ways to say let me say that again in Spanish, with examples, usage notes, and regional variations for English-speaking learners.
Why different phrases matter
Not every way to repeat a sentence conveys the same tone. Sometimes you want to politely restate a point, sometimes you correct yourself, and sometimes you emphasize what you said. Choosing the right Spanish phrase helps you match formality, clarity, and intent.
Common Spanish phrases for let me say that again
Below are several useful expressions. The first time each Spanish term appears it is bolded; subsequent appearances are italicized.
Déjame decir eso otra vez
This literal phrase works in casual conversation and translates directly as let me say that again. Use it when you want to repeat a sentence verbatim or clarify a previous point.
Example:
Permíteme: Déjame decir eso otra vez. El proyecto necesita más tiempo para terminar.
Usage notes: This is informal because of the use of dejame. In formal contexts, consider a more polite alternative.
Permítame decirlo de nuevo
Use this formal option with strangers, in meetings, or when speaking with elders. It literally means allow me to say it again and shows respect.
Example:
Permítame: Permítame decirlo de nuevo. El presupuesto requiere revisión adicional.
Usage notes: Good for presentations and polite corrections. The verb permitir plus the formal usted form is the respectful choice.
Quisiera decir eso otra vez
This is a slightly softer, polite way to express intention: I would like to say that again. It fits middle-ground situations where you want to be polite without being overly formal.
Example:
Quisiera decir eso otra vez, porque es importante que todos entiendan los pasos.
Usage notes: Quisiera is conditional and sounds tentative or courteous. Useful in meetings and group conversations.
Déjame repetir
A short, very common phrase meaning let me repeat. Use it when you want to restate something briefly or ensure clarity after a misunderstanding.
Example:
Déjame repetir: la reunión empieza a las tres, no a las dos.
Usage notes: Informal; replace with the formal equivalent if needed, such as permítame repetir.
Permítame repetir
Formal counterpart to *Déjame repetir*. Use in professional or formal settings to repeat an important point.
Example:
Atención: Permítame repetir, los plazos no son negociables.
Usage notes: Strong and clear in presentations. Good for emphasizing facts or deadlines.
Expressions for correcting yourself
When you need to correct something you just said, Spanish has idiomatic ways to signal a self-correction.
Mejor dicho
Meaning better said or rather, this phrase introduces a correction or more accurate wording. It is concise and common in spoken Spanish.
Example:
Llegaremos a las cinco, mejor dicho, a las seis.
Usage notes: Use it when you want to refine what you just said rather than repeat exactly.
O sea
A versatile filler that can mean that is to say, I mean, or in other words. Use *o sea* to rephrase or clarify. It is very common in conversational Spanish.
Example:
Vamos a salir mañana, o sea, si el tiempo lo permite.
Usage notes: Informal. Overuse can sound filler-like, so use it sparingly in formal contexts.
Digo
A short self-correction equivalent to I mean. Often follows an initial statement to quickly fix a mistake.
Example:
La conferencia es el jueves, digo, el viernes.
Usage notes: Common in spoken Spanish. Use to correct a slip of the tongue.
How to choose the right phrase
Consider these factors when selecting which phrase to use: formality, whether you are repeating exactly or correcting, and the rhythm of the conversation. Below are practical guidelines for typical situations.
Casual conversations
Use *Déjame repetir*, *Déjame decir eso otra vez*, *O sea*, or *Digo*. These sound natural with friends, family, or colleagues you know well.
Example dialogue:
Persona A: ¿La película empieza a las nueve?
Persona B: Déjame repetir, empieza a las diez.
Professional or formal settings
Opt for *Permítame repetir*, *Permítame decirlo de nuevo*, or *Quisiera decir eso otra vez*. These phrases show respect and clarity during meetings, presentations, or interviews.
Example dialogue:
Orador: Permítame decirlo de nuevo, los resultados indican una mejora del veinte por ciento.
When correcting yourself
Use *Mejor dicho* or *Digo* to signal a correction without drawing too much attention. If you need to reframe a thought, *O sea* works well.
Example:
Estaba en Madrid, mejor dicho, en las afueras de Madrid.
Tone and body language
Repeating or correcting yourself involves more than words. Tone, facial expression, and pauses affect how your repetition is received.
Suggestion: Pause briefly before repeating to let listeners process the correction. Use a slightly softer tone for corrections and a firmer tone when emphasizing an important point. Politely prefacing with *Permítame* sets a formal tone.
Politeness modifiers
Adding words like por favor or disculpa can soften a repetition or correction.
Examples:
Permítame decirlo de nuevo, por favor.
Disculpa, mejor dicho, el informe estará listo mañana.
Regional variations and colloquialisms
Spanish spoken across regions includes variations that can be useful or confusing for learners. Here are a few regional flavors for repeating or correcting yourself.
Spain
In Spain you might hear *es decir* frequently as a filler to rephrase. Also, *vamos a ver* sometimes precedes a restatement.
Example:
Vamos a ver, es decir, lo que necesitamos es más datos.
Latin America
In many Latin American countries *o sea* is extremely common as a conversational connector. In Mexico, you may also hear *nada más que* introduced for emphasis before a repeat.
Example:
O sea, lo importante es terminar a tiempo.
Examples and short dialogues
Practical examples help you see how these expressions function in real conversations. Each short dialogue uses a different phrase for repeating or correcting.
Example 1 — Casual repeat
Amigo 1: ¿La cena es a las siete?
Amigo 2: Déjame repetir, a las ocho, ¿puedes venir a las ocho?
Example 2 — Formal clarification
Presentador: Permítame decirlo de nuevo, el formulario debe presentarse antes del 30 de junio.
Example 3 — Quick correction
Compañero: La entrega fue ayer.
Tú: Digo, la entrega será mañana.
Example 4 — Rephrase for emphasis
Profesor: Necesitamos datos adicionales, mejor dicho, evidencia más reciente.
Practice tips for learners
To internalize these phrases, listen to native speakers in context, repeat sample sentences aloud, and pay attention to formality. Try substituting one phrase at a time into everyday sentences to build comfort. Record yourself to check tone and naturalness.
Additional tip: Focus on intonation. A slight rise or fall in voice can change how polite or assertive the repetition sounds.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid using informal phrases in formal contexts and vice versa. Overusing fillers like *o sea* can make you sound unsure. Also, mixing verb forms incorrectly—such as using tú commands in a formal situation—can confuse listeners.
For example, do not use *Déjame repetir* in a formal presentation. Use *Permítame repetir* instead.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say let me say that again in Spanish gives you flexibility in conversation and helps you correct or emphasize points naturally. Use informal options like Déjame repetir with friends, formal phrases like Permítame decirlo de nuevo in professional settings, and corrections such as Mejor dicho or Digo when you need to fix a slip. With practice, these expressions will become second nature.
